Apr 22, 2008 6:53 pm US/Central
Cars That Are Good For Environment And Your Wallet
(WCCO)
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The Smart Car is made by Mercedes and the engine is only three cylinders, but the compact size makes it good on gas.
CBS
In the era of "being green," the size and style of earth-friendly cars is changing.
On Earth Day, it's time to start looking for the greenest rides in town -- one of the newest vehicles is called a Smart Car.
It's made by Mercedes and the engine is only three cylinders, but the compact size makes it good on gas.
"With 40 plus miles per gallon on the highway and ranges in the 30s in the city, it's a very economical car," said Jennifer Beckman, a manager at Smart Cars in Bloomington.
In the city of Rome there are about 30,000 Smart Cars.
Here in the U.S. there are about 30,000 -- and that number is growing in Minnesota.
"We've got about 90 on the road so far -- should be close to 500 by the end of '08," said Beckman.
However, there are some draw backs. It only seats two, cargo space is small and the ride is a little bumpy.
"When I first looked at them I thought, 'What am I doing?' Cause they look so -- umh," said Kari Kelly, who is looking to downsize her vehicle.
Want to save more money? Try the Zenn.
You can only drive 25 miles per hour, no highways, but it runs on electricity.
"Just like plugging in a coffee maker," said Tim Commers the President of Cushman Motors Company, in Minneapolis.
It takes about eight hours to fully charge the car and a full charge in Minnesota would cost about 60 cents on your electric bill.
"Zero emissions, so when you're actually driving the car you're not contributing to emissions," said Commers.
Both car makers say there should be more vehicles available by the end of the summer, but there is a wait list for the smart car.
Sonya Goins, ProducerContact Sonya
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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